Comments for foystoblacktailtrails.org

Comment on Trail Talk by Michele

Michele — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:30:47 +0000

Enjoyed a great hike with our group lead by FTBT volunteers, Sara, Liz and Carol who took us from Herron Park up to Foy’s Overlook then we went down and over to the Chase property which is currently held by a Conservancy Fund group for FTBT.
They explained the goal of raising the funds necessary to purchase this property adjacent to Herron Park so the public can continue to enjoy this beautiful land forever instead of losing it to private developments which would close off access.

Loved meandering through the woods, trail was in good shape. One can even bring their well behaved dog! The views of Foy’s Lake were spectacular.

Only negative of the day, I seemed to have lost my orange Olympus camera after the hike while waiting for friends at the picnic benches at Herron Park, Thursday July 15.
If anyone came across such a camera PLEASE contact me: Michele @ 250.3922,
there are photos on there I can’t replace Thanks.

Comment on Trail Talk by Trail User

Trail User — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:55:38 +0000

Hiked to the picnic table at Foy’s Overlook then down and up again to the Chase property. Still lots of wildflowers and flowering shrubs–lupine, paintbrush, mariposa lilies, and much more. Early mornings and evenings are the best during these warmer days.

Comment on Trail Talk by Maria

Maria — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:14:21 +0000

June 21
Even with all the rain the trails are in great shape. I was hiking with an experienced hunter who is certain that there were fresh bear tracks in the trail! I walk up there 4-5 times per week and every time I get to the Overlook I say “WOW”, the view is breathtaking.

Comment on Trail Talk by FTBT

FTBT — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:54:21 +0000

Hi Colleen,
Thanks for your comment–sorry about your frustration! As noted on the Trails and Maps page of this website, there is no official, designated trail running all the way from Herron Park to Blacktail Mountain. The corridor from Herron Park to Blacktail Mountain passes through a combination of private and public (Forest Service) land and our organization is currently focused on raising money to purchase the private land that is next to Herron Park (currently owned by the Conservation Fund) so that the long term goal of a safe, signed route to Blacktail can become a reality.

In the meantime, I have two suggestions for you: 1) Enjoy the miles of trail in Herron Park and the adjacent Conservation Fund land (the land FTBT is working to buy). You can follow the directions Ted gave you in his post to get on the Family Trail. As he mentioned, the Family Trail ends at a logging/access road and from there you can continue on the logging/access road for several miles. Another great option when you get to the the top of the Family Trail is to follow the small blue “FTBT” signs that will take you on a mile-long trail up to the Overlook at the top of the ridge. At the top of that trail is a picnic table and a fabulous view of the Flathead and Smith valleys.

2) If you are determined to get to from Herron Park to Blacktail Mountain (or vice versa), make sure you are in excellent shape, are experienced in the use of a GPS, and understand that trails are not signed or maintained. You can look at the website everytrail.com, where at least one person has posted a favorite GPS route to Blacktail. Note that it is at least 13 miles, there is no water, the trail is not maintained and there will be fallen trees or other obstacles. Never hike alone. Many people have become lost in this area.

In summary, our all-volunteer group (one new part-time paid staff person, thanks to a generous grant from the Sustainability Fund of the Flathead Community Foundation) is currently focusing all our efforts on raising money to buy the private land adjacent to Herron Park so that the public can have continued access to that land, and to the corridor that extends to Blacktail Mountain. We will produce better maps for the trails in Herron Park and the Conservation Fund land just as soon as we can. We acknowledge that there is much work to be done and welcome volunteers! Let us know if you have more questions…

Comment on Trail Talk by Ted

Ted — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:46:54 +0000

Colleen,

Currently there isn’t a dedicated trail between Herron and Blacktail, but there are several miles of trail to hike with varying difficulty. Park at the main parking lot for Herron Park, walk thru the gate and hang a right. Follow the path across the meadow up past the pavilion until you hit an old logging road. Go left up the road about 200 yards and you will see a trail going off to your left marked “Family Trail”. This is a nice mile plus trail up to the top of the hill at an easy grade. Or if you want a more strenuous workout, stay on the logging road and you will end up in the same spot at the top of the hill, but it’s a lot shorter and steeper. The logging road keeps going towards Blacktail for several miles.

Comment on Trail Talk by Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:53:11 +0000

I know where Herron Park is and I know where the Blacktail Ski Center is. I cannot find a map anywhere that shows the trail systems between the 2. I have driven around Herron Park looking for trailheads and don’t see any. I’ve had a knee replacement and heard about these trails and want to get out and try them but cannot find them. Help please!